Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an artilleryman in the United States Army. I wrote my first book, No One’s Hero, in 2019 while deployed to Afghanistan. Writing helped me to separate myself from some of the darker parts of my life during that time.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book, No One’s Hero, was inspired by a lot of tropes in modern media. For better or worse I see a lot of the same concepts and situations being rehashed over and over with small changes between them. I wanted to write something that poked fun at all of that, while still having a story of it’s own to tell.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suppose. People ask me “how do you come up with this stuff?” and frankly I have no idea. I play music, get my camo snuggie, and spend hours just writing whatever comes to mind. I don’t really plan anything out (other than writing down ideas I have while singing in the shower.)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl series. The voice and style he employs really influenced my own writing. There are plenty of differences, but I got my sense of voice from him, and how Artemis narrates the story to the reader.
What are you working on now?
Well, I’ve got ADD, so I tend to get writers block a lot. Instead of not writing, though, I just start writing something else.
As it stands I’m working on four other stories.
One is called ‘Grim,’ and it’s about a college student who finds himself working part time as a Grim Reaper. Neat, right?
Another is, of course, the sequel to No One’s Hero.
Following that is ‘The Lotus, The Orphan, and The Beast in Between.’ My largest story so far, following five characters during their time in a modern day fantasy world as they make their way through a college of magic.
And lastly, my most out there story, ‘The Haunting of Quinten York.’ I don’t even know how to adequately describe it. It’s a story that takes place in a post apocalyptic, cowboy western, magic fantasy world. Yeah, you read that right. Magic cowboy apocalypse. It’s pretty wild.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well I’m pretty new to this, so maybe it will be awesomegang.com! Hah, but jokes aside I would have to say facebook ads have given me the most consistent engagement so far.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Short answer? Stop rewriting the same five chapters over and over again hoping one day they’ll be good enough for you to move on to chapter six.
Long answer? See above.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Maybe I just haven’t received a lot of positive advice in my life, but nothing writing related comes to mind. A saying that sticks with me though would be “The same boiling water that softens the potato, hardens the egg. It’s not about the circumstances around you that define who you are, but rather what you’re made of.”
What are you reading now?
Bloody Rose, by Nicholas Eames.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I suppose I’ll grab a bite to eat, and then get back to it. Maybe I make a boat load of money off No One’s Hero and I can retire to a yacht somewhere.
Or, more realistically, maybe I spend a few more years in the Army, chasing my dreams when I can, and believing that one day it will get better.
Who’s to say?
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Deserted Island Survival for dummies.”
“How to make a life raft out of human hair and turtles.”
“Dangerous Island Wildlife And Where To Find Them.”
“The Hobbit.”
Author Websites and Profiles
J. Tyler Website
J. Tyler Amazon Profile
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